Flatbed vs Circular knitting machine - what's difference?

In the textile industry, flatbed knitting machines and circular knitting machines are two main types of knitting equipment, each with its own unique applications and advantages.

Although both types of machines can produce high-quality knitted fabrics, their working principles and the characteristics of the final product are very different. Flatbed knitting machines are known for their flexibility and ability to produce a variety of fabric patterns, especially suitable for complex designs and personalized customization.

In contrast, circular knitting machines are known for their efficient production capacity and continuous weaving method, especially suitable for mass production of uniform fabrics. Understanding the main differences between these two machines is essential for choosing the right equipment and optimizing production processes.

In this article, we will take a deep look at the main differences between flatbed knitting machines and circular knitting machines to help you better understand their functions and application scenarios.

What is a knitting machine?

Knitting machines are key equipment used in the textile industry to produce knitted fabrics. Knitting technology forms elastic and soft fabrics by passing yarns through the fabric in a certain order and manner.

Unlike traditional warp knitted fabrics, knitted fabrics are characterized by high comfort, flexibility and breathability, so they are widely used in many fields such as clothing, home textiles and sports equipment.

Among the types of knitting machines, flatbed knitting machines and circular knitting machines are the two most common devices. The design of the flatbed knitting machine enables it to weave on a flat machine bed, which is suitable for making various complex patterns and customized fabrics. Its versatility and flexibility make it the first choice for high-end and personalized products.

On the other hand, the circular loom achieves continuous weaving through its circular weaving structure, which is especially suitable for large-scale production of standardized fabrics. Its efficient production capacity and stable fabric quality make it occupy an important position in industrial production. Understanding the characteristics and applications of these two knitting machines will help make appropriate choices for different production needs.

Flatbed Knitting Machine VS Circular Knitting Machine

Flatbed Knitting Machine

Flatbed Knitting Machine

Features:

Weaving method: Flatbed knitting machine uses a flat machine bed to weave fabric horizontally between two rows through the needle group on the needle bed. It usually has a large weaving range and can produce wide and complex fabric patterns.

Fabric types: It can produce various types of knitted fabrics, including plain, ribbed, knitted patterns and complex weaving patterns. It is particularly suitable for making fabrics with complex patterns and high-quality clothing fabrics.

Flexibility: It has high weaving flexibility and can handle a variety of different types of yarns and textile requirements. Suitable for customization and small batch production.

Production speed: Relatively slow because only one piece of fabric can be woven at a time. But its precision and pattern design capabilities make up for this.

Circular Knitting Machine

Circular Knitting Machine

Features:

Weaving method: Circular looms weave through a circular needle bed and weaving structure, and the fabric is produced in a tubular form. It enables continuous production without seams or connecting lines.

Fabric types: Mainly used for the production of uniform fabrics, such as T-shirts, sportswear and underwear. Suitable for mass production, relatively simple patterns and fabrics.

Efficiency: With high production speed, it can quickly produce large quantities of consistent fabrics. Suitable for large-scale production and long-term continuous operation.

Production flexibility: Compared with flat looms, circular looms have lower design and production flexibility, but are very efficient in large-scale production.

Comparison

Weaving range:

Flat looms: Suitable for a variety of fabric widths and complex patterns, capable of producing a wide variety of knitted fabrics.

Circular looms: Mainly used for the production of continuous tubular fabrics, suitable for standardized products and large-scale production.

Production speed:

Flat looms: Slow production speed, suitable for small batches and customized production.

Circular looms: Fast production speed, suitable for large-scale production, and can achieve high-efficiency weaving.

Product types:

Flat looms: Suitable for making high-end, personalized and complex design fabrics.

Circular looms: Suitable for making simple, standardized knitted fabrics, such as basic clothing and sports equipment.

Flexibility and Application:

Flat loom: has higher design flexibility and diversity, capable of handling different types of yarns and complex patterns.

Circular loom: Although less flexible, it performs well and is efficient in mass production of the same product.

By understanding the characteristics and application scenarios of these two types of knitting machines, you can choose the right equipment according to your production needs and goals to achieve the best production results.